According to a survey, it takes Netflix users nearly 18 minutes to choose what to watch. Well, those days might be over since the streaming service is reportedly testing out a shuffle button that randomizes the movies and television shows on its selection.
The shuffle button doesn't just pull out a title from a mixed bag. It acts much like an algorithm that takes the user's viewing history and playlists into account. You know, just to make sure you don't get a slasher film if you're into home reno reality shows. (Not that you couldn't be into both.)
Back in 2019, an early version of the feature was tested for Android users, followed by another trial on Amazon Fire's app. The latest one just landed on the television app, so it might be ready to roll out soon.
We can't give Netflix all the credit for the feature. An online tool called Netflix Roulette has been acting as a manual shuffle button for the streaming service. We also found a petition on Change.org for the addition of a shuffle button from two years ago.
"The purpose of the test is to make it easier for members to find something to watch. The hope is to absolutely productize something," a Netflix spokesperson said.
Bring on all the undiscovered gems, Netflix.
*This story originally appeared on Esquiremag.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
